Recently two separate nation-wide academic assessment companies released data that once again indicates that Catholic schools continue to see academic progress at a rate above the national average.   

The National Center for Education Statistics published the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, with the 2024 Mathematics and Reading Assessment for students in January. This robust data set shows that, as a whole, Catholic school students outperform the national average. 

Published every two years, the NAEP evaluates the academic performance and progress of fourth- and eighth-grade students across the country in reading and mathematics. The assessment is conducted using a representative sample from each state, with results scored on a 0-to-500 scale. NAEP is widely regarded as the gold standard in testing. 

A snapshot of the most recent achievement levels of students in public and Catholic schools is shown below. Although the NAEP does not provide state-specific data for Catholic schools, Catholic school scores are consistently higher than public school scores across the board nationally.
In addition to the Nation’s Report Card, recently released winter NWEA assessment data shows a high level of academic proficiency in Catholic schools. This nationally normed assessment used by Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw shows that 87% of students tested in our diocese scored at or above grade level in mathematics and 85% scored at or above grade level in reading.  
  
The results of these two national assessments reinforce that our schools are performing at an above-average level, giving our students the best opportunity to grow academically. In addition to robust academic growth, students benefit from the spiritual growth and development that is the foundation of Catholic education.
  
The Diocese of Saginaw serves approximately 2,000 students in elementary and high schools. To learn about the difference a Catholic education can make in your child’s life, find a school near you!